La esperanza, esa cosa con plumas

Not an average teen movie, this was a very moving and honest film about hope and learning to accept the help of others. Have tissues ready it is an emotional story, but it still ends up being feel good movie in the end.

This is a beautiful story about hope, family, relationships, life, and friendship. The lead actress was amazing, and brought a lot of depth to her character.

When I can be moved to tears in front of my cruel computer, you know All Together Now can be one of the best teen coming-of-age films on Netflix, a purveyor of that genre like no other service.

Having had five daughters, I am an expert about the challenges teen girls face in any world at any time. Most of those rough times are caused by us, adults, who need to see movies like this to understand the beautifully complex decisions and affections a teen is called on to endure. In fact, every pre-teen should see this melodrama as well to gain insight into the difficult world of their future.

Amber (Auli'I Cravalho) lives illicitly in a school bus with her driver, alcoholic mother until they can't. Amber is so charming during the day that no one would guess the difficulties she faces once away from school. Think of her working in a donut shop in Portland, producing fundraising shows for her school, and trying to figure out how she can get to Carnegie Mellon University Drama School, which has invited her to audition.

Then throw into the mix her mom's abusive boyfriend and a mini-pup with a cancerous mass that should be operated on, and you have probably too many bad things happening to her for one movie. Still, if you accept where filmmaker Brett Haley wants you to go, each is a barrier to happiness, and she is an inveterate optimist.

All Together Now gets right the motifs of hope and community caring seasoned with music because Amber needs to allow the community to give back to her after all she has given them, music not the least. The film signifies better than most that allowing others to give is a gift to them and a sure sign that something is right about you.

Life can be survived with happiness, only after one has earned it, is a powerful message in pandemic times when that tyrant seems to make us all helpless. But not youth with hope.

In spite of the being very hard to believe, i mean a mother and her daughter live in a school bus, and the girl sleeping on a bench and refusing anyone to help her, and she remains strangely happy, but the final part of the film had a good message to tell, about letting the people who care about you, give you a hand when you need it the most. But it was a little hard identifying with the story with this strange events, usually people ask for help when they really need it, while the lead character Amber doesn't believe in that. The fact that Amber only sang one song" Feels like home", while she could've at least sang another one at the talent show , makes no sense and is such a lost opportunity. She did such a great job in "Moana" and it was nice seeing her here in a live action film, but sadly the script wasn't that good. But the cast did a good job, and Carol Burnett was a special addition to the team.

There have been many coming of age films, but this one was more emotionally expansive and well put together. I haven't read the novel, but may have to now if it's written as well as this screenplay. I'm not sure if my popcorn munching made me miss this, but what happened to her dad? If it was left out, it was a big error. Directing was great, and the cinematography and soundtrack were on point. The 92 min runtime was just right with the fair pacing. Casting was perfect, with Auli'i Cravalho nailing her role. It was a great fit to see the legendary Carol Burnett, and Fred Armisen. I certainly recommend this film, especially to all the teens out there who complain their life is hard - because they didn't get the newest iPhone first lol. It's a good reality check that is humbling with real world struggles. It's a well deserved 8/10 from me.